Senator Patricia Van Pelt’s legislation allowing Cook County communities to participate in the Redeploy Illinois program passed through the Senate today.

Redeploy Illinois is designed to provide services to youth who are at high risk of being imprisoned. To use this program, a county enters into an agreement with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to reduce juvenile incarceration by 25 percent. The county then receives funds to use for community based services and treatments. Services include substance abuse and mental health treatment, therapy, education and employment assistance.

Currently the program is only available on a countywide scale. House Bill 2401 allows smaller geographic areas to participate without requiring the whole of Cook County to meet the 25 percent reduction goal. This opens the program to specific police districts, municipal districts and other well-defined geographic areas.

Senator Patricia Van Pelt voted today in favor of Senate Bill 2404, the union backed pension plan that passed through the Senate. Sen. Van Pelt released the following statement:

“I voted for this plan because it is negotiated legislation, and I applaud Senate President Cullerton, Senator Linda Holmes and the unions for coming together to make this a reality. I fully support this bill because it was negotiated and is more fair to employees than other plans presented.

“It is important that we get the state’s finances in order, but we are talking about people’s livelihoods. This plan will save the state billions of dollars and will also protect the pensions of hardworking employees.”

The legislation, House Bill 1139, establishes the Gang Crime Witness Protection Program Fund, which will assist victims and witnesses who are actively aiding in the prosecution of gang members. The funds may be used to help pay temporary living costs, moving expenses, rent and other expenses of relocation.

“We need to keep our neighborhoods safe and stop gang violence,” said Van Pelt. “Part of the solution to this problem is making sure witnesses can testify without fear of retribution.”

“Today we saw over $500 million in transportation projects running through the 5th District unveiled. Historically, these projects have not employed minorities, particularly African-Americans. This is unacceptable; the root of problems such as poverty, homelessness and crime is unemployment. We have 52% unemployment among African-American males in my district, and the impact has been devastating," said Sen. Van Pelt.

“I agree that we need to rebuild the state’s infrastructure and improve our roads. However, it is my intention to work with the community to ensure these projects employ the people of my district. If I do not see the progress the community expects, we will demonstrate our dissatisfaction. Construction projects are good, but we need jobs in our community.”